We are excited for this school year and all the learning we will be experiencing. Our curriculum offers a wide range of activities and opportunities covering academics as well as personal growth.

If you have any questions, please feel free to e-mail us. We'd love to hear from you.

You can click on our name below to go to our personal web site.

Barbara Gostenik
I have had the privilege of teaching fourth grade at Peabody for many years. Before moving to Colorado,  I taught second grade and a 2/3 combination class in Detroit. After being a stay-at-home mom with our two boys for ten years, I decided to return to the classroom. 

I completed my undergraduate work in Ann Arbor  and then received my graduate degree in Curriculum and  Instruction. Outside of school, I enjoy being a grandmother to two little boys, ages 2 1/2 and almost 1. I also enjoy biking, knitting, cooking, hiking, reading, and spending time with my family. It is a pleasure to work at Peabody with such brilliant, caring people and great parents who always want to do what is best for kids. 

bgostenik@lps.k12.co.us

voicemail:  303-734-5702

 Janet King
My passion for Colorado and it's children began back in the 1950's when I was born here. Actually, it began long before that with family members teaching in the state starting in the early 1900's. I am a graduate of South High School and the University of Northern Colorado, where I obtained my degree in Elementary Education and minor in Elementary Science. My early teaching years were in El Paso, TX and Colorado. As my husband and I moved around the country and started our family of 3 children, I was fortunate to be able to stay at home for awhile. On moving back to Colorado, I also moved back into education. That's when my relationship with Peabody began. I've been in the building for 12 years, starting as a parapro with Mrs. Flood. I have worked my way up to being a 4th grade teacher. Peabody is a family and I'm proud to be here as one of it's members.

jjking@lps.k12.co.us
voice mail:

Melanie Burke
We welcome Mrs. Melanie Burke.  Melanie joins us from Whitman Elementary and is joining our 4th grade team this year. 

My name is Melanie Burke and I am the new 4th grade teacher at Peabody.  I've spent the last 8 years teaching both 3rd and 4th grade at Whitman Elementary in Littleton and am excited for my future with the Peabody team.  My family moved to Colorado from Bay City Michigan when I was in 4th grade.  I attended many schools in Littleton from elementary through high school and have a genuine fondness for the area and school systems.  My professional education includes a Bachelors of Arts degree in English with a minor in Special Education from the Metropolitan State College of Denver.  I have also recently completed a Master of Arts degree in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Math and Science from the University of Colorado at Denver.  When I'm not teaching I enjoy running, skiing, rollerblading, reading, gardening and cooking.  My husband (Eric) and I just welcomed our first child, Tyler, in April and I will be returning to the classroom in November.  I am looking forward to meeting my new students, parents, and staff at Peabody Elementary.  

maburke@lps.k12.co.us
voice mail:

Suzette Bowles
We welcome Suzette Bowles who will be kicking off the school year for Melanie Burke when she returns from maternity leave in November.  

Hello!  My name is Suzette Bowles and I am so excited to b getting the school year started for Melanie Burke with her fourth grade classroom at Peabody Elementary.  I have been with Littleton Public Schools for seven years in several capacities, two of those years in the fourth grade classroom.  I have also taught in second and third grade and worked in the technology lab and media center.  I received my undergraduate degree in Art History from the University of Colorado at Denver and will soon be embarking on a Masters Degree in Elementary Education from Regis University.  When I am not at school, I love to spend time with my family, including my "crazy" beagle named Max.  I also enjoy biking, reading and listening to a variety of music.

sbowles@lps.k12.co.us

Homework Policy – In general, students can expect an average of about one hour of homework daily at the fourth grade level. This includes the 30minutes of reading five times a week. Some students work more quickly than others, and some may need to complete work that they didn’t finish in class, so times may vary.

Illness – When students miss school due to illness, they should ask for their missed assignments upon their return. They will be given a reasonable amount of time, approximately one day for each day missed, to make up this work. Please notify the office by noon if you are coming to school to pick up work for an ill child. We will be happy to have the work available in the office for pick-up after school.

Vacations – When students miss school days because of vacations, they will be given the work that they missed upon their return. They will be given approximately one day for each day missed to make up these assignments. Work will not be given beforehand. Please notify the office as well as us as soon as you know the dates.

Late Work – Students are required to turn their homework in on time. If their work is more than one week late, students receive a zero. If this is a chronic problem, this will be reflected in their effort grade on their report card. We may be contacting you to discuss this matter. In the past, we have found that this policy encourages students to become more responsible and helps prepare them for future grades.